Guide to Vietnam: Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and its second largest city – a bustling hub of chaotic streets filled with scooters and mopeds and markets overflowing with flowers, food and colorful textiles. We stayed at the Sofitel, located in central Hanoi and the most scenic building on its skyline – it also offers some spectacular views.

hanoi

hanoi

hanoi

hanoi

hanoi_maianh

Upon our early morning return to Hanoi from Halong Bay, we were promptly scooped up by our van and taken to one of the city’s secret pho spots, Mai Anh, one of the best in town. Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup associated with Hanoi, where the first Pho restaurant opened in the 1920s. We slurped (a sign you are enjoying yourself) and ate until our bellies were full, and we were sweating from the heat of the chilies in our broth.  It was a magical experience!

PS- the fresh squeezed grapefruit juice is delicious ♥

hanoi

hanoi

hanoi

Outside Hanoi’s Old Quarter, be sure to check out the marketplace for florists – it opens at 3am!

hanoi_caphephoca

Before our 8-hour train ride from Hanoi to Sapa we stopped at Ca Phe Pho co for a drink and a minute of quiet in the bustling city. Without our guides help we never would have found this place. From the outside it looks like a t-shirt shop, once inside it looks like a souvenir shop, a little further in and it looks like a house… it isn’t until the second flight of stairs that it starts to look like a restaurant! The view from the top floor is amazing and the drinks are refreshing.

*don’t forget bug repellent! Despite the slight breeze there is no rest from the pesky bugs!

hanoi

Pictured: Back to Me Maxi

hanoi

hanoi

hanoi

Karaoke bars are all over Hanoi! You can share a private room with friends and sing the night away :)

hanoi

hanoi

What we packed:

hanoi

hanoibag2

Dresses: off the shoulder ribbed bodycon, sequin bodycon, back to me maxi

Tops: stretch eyelet crop bra, fringe halter top, lurex cardigan, mason tee

Bottoms: suede lace up shorts, hands on floral pant

Shoes: arissa heel, dixie sandal

Bags: bauletto mini satchel

Accessories: karmen pendant, macrame and metal cuff, stingray leather cuff, bracket cuff

View the March catalog.

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Chloe C
12 years ago

Love how your pics really shared the spirit of the city. Got to be a tourist thru your lenses.

12 years ago

K, I think I need that maxi dress… and to visit Vietnam… sigh.

~F

fernanda
12 years ago

what the name of this song… luv it!!!

sudan
12 years ago

hi FP, anyone know that song title? appreciate it. thanks

9 years ago

Fortunately for women, the lower back ages very
well, so they should have no problems over the years with their tattoo.
You also have to be at ease in your dress, able
to glide down the aisle in it & look comfortable all day long.
There is no reason to be self-conscious about your body in front of the woman, or man, who is tanning you.